Mixer Mode Switching for Low-Power Fast Frequency Synthesis

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional frequency synthesizers require a frequency selection switch, leading to increased power consumption and complexity when generating multiple high-frequency signals, and struggle with fast frequency switching due to the need for large buffers.

Innovation Solution

A frequency synthesizer that uses mode switching control within the internal circuit of a mixer to selectively generate and output high multi-frequency signals, eliminating the need for a frequency selection switch and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a frequency selection switch is used to selectively output high-frequency signals, then frequency selection capability is improved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency selection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the frequency selection switch from the system entirely. Instead of using a switch to select frequencies, the system generates different frequency signals directly through mode switching of the mixer circuitry. This extraction of the switch component eliminates the associated power consumption and complexity while maintaining frequency selection capability through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixer circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in different modes (first mode and second mode) to generate different frequency signals (first high-frequency signal and second high-frequency signal) without requiring separate circuit paths or selection switches. This multi-functionality allows the same circuit to serve multiple frequency generation purposes, eliminating the need for additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a frequency selection switch is used to output high-frequency signals, then frequency selection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency selection capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the frequency selection switch from the system entirely. Instead of using a switch to select frequencies, the system generates different frequency signals directly through mode switching of the mixer circuitry. This extraction of the switch component eliminates the associated power consumption and complexity while maintaining frequency selection capability through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixer circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in different modes (first mode and second mode) to generate different frequency signals (first high-frequency signal and second high-frequency signal) without requiring separate circuit paths or selection switches. This multi-functionality allows the same circuit to serve multiple frequency generation purposes, eliminating the need for additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If a large buffer is provided in the front portion of switches to achieve fast frequency switching, then switching speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency switching speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the frequency selection switch from the system entirely. Instead of using a switch to select frequencies, the system generates different frequency signals directly through mode switching of the mixer circuitry. This extraction of the switch component eliminates the associated power consumption and complexity while maintaining frequency selection capability through alternative means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares multiple frequency signals (first high-frequency signal and second high-frequency signal) in advance through different mixer modes, so that frequency switching can be achieved rapidly by simply changing the operational mode rather than physically switching between buffered signals. This preliminary preparation of multiple signal paths eliminates the need for large buffers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7725088B2Fast mode switching frequency synthesizing apparatus and method for operating in low power consumption

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A fast mode switching frequency synthesizing apparatus and method for operating in low power consumption. In the frequency synthesizer, according to a mode control signal, an SSB mixer selectively generates and outputs a signal having a frequency which is identical to an input signal RF or outputs a signal having a frequency which is a synthesized frequency of the input signals RF and LO. Frequency synthesized signals having a frequency which is a sum of frequencies of the input signals RF and LO, or a difference of frequencies therebetween, may be generated by changing wiring of a path switch according to a phase control signal.